CHRISTOPHER S. RUGABER

AP Economics Writer
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Unemployment rate falls in two-thirds of US states

The unemployment rate fell in two-thirds of U.S. states last month, evidence that modest economic growth is boosting hiring in most areas of the country.

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Global leaders seek to corral Europe crisis

The leaders of eight of the world's biggest economies meet this weekend outside Washington, seeking to keep Europe's debt crisis from spiraling out of control and jeopardizing fledgling recoveries in the U.S. and elsewhere.

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Manufacturing shrinks in mid-Atlantic region

Manufacturing activity contracted in the mid-Atlantic region in May for the first time in eight months. New orders decreased and firms cut jobs.

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US unemployment aid applications stay at 370,000

The number of people seeking U.S. unemployment benefits was unchanged last week, suggesting modest but steady gains in the job market.

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US housing starts rose to 717,000 in April

U.S. builders started work on more homes and apartments last month and requested more permits to build single-family homes. The increases suggest the battered housing market is healing.

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US economy picks up after early spring slump

Maybe the U.S. economy's strength this winter wasn't just weather-related after all.

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US builder confidence at highest level in 5 years

Confidence among U.S. builders rose to the highest level in five years in May, a hopeful sign that modest improvement in the housing market will pick up.

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US consumer prices flat as gas costs fall

U.S. consumer prices were flat last month as cheaper gas offset modest increases for food, clothing and housing. The data indicate that inflation remains in check.

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IMF chief urges gradual approach to spending cuts

The head of the International Monetary Fund on Monday urged indebted countries in Europe and elsewhere to reduce their budget deficits only gradually to avoid further damaging their economies.

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A recipe for more jobs: Stronger economic growth

U.S. job growth slumped in April for a second straight month. It suggested an economy that is growing steadily but still sluggishly, which could further tighten a close presidential race.

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Job growth slowed again in April; rate ticks down

One month of slower job growth might have been a blip. Two suggest a worrisome trend: The economy may be faltering again.

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US applications for unemployment aid drop sharply

The number of people seeking unemployment benefits fell last week by the most in nearly a year. The figure was a hopeful sign that hiring could pick up in coming months.

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US service companies expand at slower pace

U.S. service companies, which employ roughly 90 percent of the work force, expanded more slowly in April. Companies saw less growth in new orders and hired at a weaker pace.

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US applications for unemployment aid drop sharply

The number of people seeking unemployment benefits fell last week by the most in nearly a year. The figure was a hopeful sign one day before the government releases the April jobs report.

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US applications for unemployment aid drop sharply

The number of people seeking unemployment benefits fell last week by the most in more than three months. The figure was a hopeful sign one day before the government releases the April jobs report.

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US factory orders fell in March by most in 3 years

Demand for U.S. factory goods dropped in March by the most in three years, driven lower by a sharp fall in volatile orders for commercial aircraft. Still, more recent data suggest the decline may be temporary.

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Private survey shows US hiring slowed last month

A private survey shows U.S. businesses sharply reduced hiring in April, a cautionary sign two days before the government reports on monthly job growth.

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US manufacturing grows at fastest pace since June

U.S. manufacturing grew last month at the fastest pace in 10 months. New orders, production and a measure of hiring all rose.

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Contracts for US homes rose last month

An index that tracks the number of signed contracts to buy U.S. homes rose to its highest level in nearly two years last month, the latest sign the battered housing market is slowly improving.

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US unemployment aid requests near 3-month high

The number of people seeking U.S. unemployment benefits remained stuck near a three-month high last week, a sign that job gains will likely remain modest.

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US orders for long-lasting goods plunge in March

Orders for long-lasting factory goods fell by the largest amount in three years last month, mostly because demand for commercial aircraft plummeted. But companies also ordered less machinery and other equipment, a sign manufacturing output may slow.

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US home prices drop for 6th straight month

Home prices dropped in February in most major U.S. cities for a sixth straight month, a sign that modest sales gains haven't been enough to boost prices.

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Hollande victory could impact US markets this week

A strong showing by Socialist candidate Francois Hollande in the first round of France's presidential election Sunday may rattle U.S. and global financial markets in the coming weeks.

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Fewer US states reported job gains last month

Fewer U.S. states reported job gains in March, reflecting slower hiring nationwide.

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Momentum in US hiring, home sales appears to slow

Momentum in U.S. hiring and home sales appears to be slowing, according to fresh data.

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